Two Kenyan nationals who had been detained in Tanzania following post-election protests have been released and handed over to the Kenya High Commission in Dar es Salaam.
The two — Fredrick Lorent Obuya, a lawyer and tour operator, and John Gitahi Nderitu, a financial professional — were arrested during the October 29, 2025, protests that erupted after Tanzania’s general elections.
They were freed without charges and handed over to the Kenyan diplomatic mission.
According to a statement from the Kenya High Commission in Dar es Salaam, High Commissioner Isaac Njenga personally received the two upon their release.
“Mr. Fredrick Lorent Obuya, a lawyer and tour operator, and Mr. John Gitahi Nderitu, a financial professional, were released without charges to the custody of the Kenya High Commission in Dar es Salaam. They thanked the Mission and looked forward to reuniting with their families,” the statement read.
The High Commission also confirmed the release, noting that the outcome followed concerted diplomatic efforts between the governments of Kenya and Tanzania.
“Delighted that Fredrick Obuya and John Gitahi are now finally on their way back home thanks to the concerted efforts by the Government of Kenya — the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs in Nairobi and in Dar through the Kenya High Commission,” High Commissioner Njenga said.
The two had been among several people detained in Tanzania amid a wave of unrest that followed the country’s general election.
Human rights groups had condemned the arrests and killings that occurred during the protests, describing them as serious violations of international law and calling for the immediate release of all detainees.
Their detention had drawn concern from Kenyan civil society organisations and regional rights advocates, who urged Nairobi to intervene to ensure their safety and legal protection.
The Kenya High Commission said it was providing the two with consular support as they prepared to return home to Kenya.
Human rights organisation Vocal Africa had called on Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urgently intervene regarding two Kenyan citizens reported missing in Tanzania following post-election unrest.
In a letter to the Principal Secretary, Vocal Africa expressed concern for the safety and welfare of the two individuals.
“Your timely intervention will not only safeguard the rights of these two Kenyan citizens but will also demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to protecting its nationals abroad, especially in moments of crisis,” the letter, signed by Vocal Africa Chief Executive Hussein Khalid, stated.
The organisation emphasised that delays in addressing the cases could exacerbate the distress of the affected families and hinder accountability.
